The number of COVID-positive patients hospitalized in Riverside County has dropped, while eight additional virus-related deaths were reported in the latest data.
According to the Riverside University Health System, COVID-19-related hospitalizations countywide dropped to 305 Friday, compared to 321 on Thursday. The number of ICU patients Friday also dropped, totaling 85, compared to 91 on Thursday.
RUHS said the aggregate number of COVID cases recorded since the public health documentation period began in March 2020 is 357,306. Thursday’s number was 356,906.
Officials said a total 5,063 deaths from virus-related complications have been recorded in the last roughly 19 months. The fatalities are trailing indicators because of delays processing death certificates and can go back a month, sometimes longer.
The number of known active virus cases countywide is 4,063, down 238 from Thursday. The active count is derived by subtracting deaths and recoveries from the current total — 357,306 — according to the county Executive Office. Verified patient recoveries countywide are 348,207.
The county began administering Pfizer vaccine booster shots on Sept. 25.
To receive a SARS-CoV-2 booster, residents must have received their second Pfizer vaccine dose a minimum of six months ago. Other eligibility requirements are that residents must be 65 years or older, or be 18-64 years old and either have underlying health conditions that put them at risk of COVID- 19, or be at increased risk of exposure to the virus due to occupational or institutional reasons, such as being a health care worker.